CVE-2023-36022 is a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting Microsoft Edge based on the Chromium engine. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-94, which relates to improper control of code generation, indicating that the flaw likely involves unsafe handling of code or scripts that can be injected or executed remotely. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a victim's machine by convincing the user to interact with a specially crafted web page or content. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.6 (medium severity), with the vector indicating that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but user interaction is necessary (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality is high (C:H), with limited impact on integrity (I:L) and availability (A:L). This suggests that an attacker could gain access to sensitive information or execute code that compromises confidentiality, but with less impact on system integrity or availability. The vulnerability is present in version 1.0.0 of Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based), and as of the published date (November 3, 2023), no patches or known exploits in the wild have been reported. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2023 and is publicly disclosed now. Given the nature of the vulnerability, exploitation would typically occur through malicious web content that triggers the unsafe code execution path, relying on user interaction such as visiting a malicious website or clicking a link. The lack of required privileges and the medium CVSS score indicate a moderate but non-trivial risk, especially in environments where users frequently browse the web or access untrusted content using Edge.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to confidentiality due to the potential for remote code execution via user interaction. Organizations with employees or users who rely on Microsoft Edge as their primary browser are at risk of data exposure or unauthorized code execution, which could lead to data breaches or lateral movement within networks. The impact is heightened in sectors handling sensitive or regulated data, such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions. Although the vulnerability requires user interaction and local access vector, phishing or social engineering campaigns could exploit this to compromise endpoints. The limited impact on integrity and availability reduces the likelihood of destructive attacks but does not eliminate the risk of espionage or data theft. Since no known exploits are currently in the wild, the window for proactive mitigation is open, but organizations should remain vigilant given the potential for future exploitation. The medium severity rating suggests that while urgent patching is recommended once available, immediate widespread disruption is unlikely without targeted attacks.

Monitor official Microsoft security advisories closely for the release of patches addressing CVE-2023-36022 and prioritize timely deployment once available. Implement strict web content filtering and URL reputation services to reduce exposure to malicious websites that could exploit this vulnerability. Enhance user awareness training focused on recognizing phishing attempts and the risks of interacting with untrusted web content, emphasizing the need to avoid clicking suspicious links or visiting unknown sites using Microsoft Edge. Consider deploying application control policies or browser isolation technologies that limit the execution of untrusted code within the browser environment. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual process behaviors or code execution patterns originating from Microsoft Edge processes. Where feasible, restrict the use of Microsoft Edge to trusted internal sites or enforce the use of alternative browsers with different security postures until a patch is available. Review and tighten local user permissions to minimize the impact of potential code execution, ensuring users operate with least privilege. Regularly audit and update browser extensions and plugins to reduce the attack surface and avoid additional vulnerabilities that could compound this issue.